At the March 27 CDCA Annual Awards, Liam Hamiliton dominated the competition.
Liam Hamiliton arrived in Cootamundra in March 2025, taking up employment at Nutrien on Yass
Road after moving away from Echuca.
With his great knock of 186 not out against Grenfell, he was awarded the Mel and Gloria Paterson award for the best performance in A Grade.
Hamilton (378 runs) was the leading run getter in the South West Slopes Cricket League [SWSCL] A grade competition.
The talented left-hand batsman capped of a fine night by winning the Ray Ward Memorial award for the highest partnership. Hamilton and Scott Meale added 199 runs for the 2nd wicket against Grenfell at Lawson Park in Grenfell on February 7.
Stockinbingal co-captain Nick Holt also had a good night.
Nick is a first time winner of the Bennett/Rudd award.
The Bennett/Rudd was awarded for the 47th time and is named after Greg Bennett and Max Rudd. Both players were exceptional left-hand batsman. They both were president of the CDCA and both captained the Cootamundra First XI. Both Rudd and Bennett also played against international touring sides. Max Rudd passed away in 2011 aged 86.
Winning the Bennett/Rudd award for the best all-rounder in A grade, Nick scored 359 runs captured 3 and took 3 catches. By scoring 359 runs, he scored the most runs scored in the Bennett- Rudd award since Nathan Corby’s tally of 361 runs in 2013-14.
Nick shared the Mel and Gloria Paterson award with Liam Hamilton. In the elimination semi- final against Grenfell at Stockinbingal, Nick ripped the heart of the Grenfell batting line up to capture a career best of 7/33, before guiding his team to victory scoring 48 not out.
For the first time, two bowlers tied for the most wickets. Harvey Holt [Stock] and Riley Meale [Coota] both captured 14 wickets.
As was the case last season, Phil Gay and Tony Reece taking out the batting and bowling B awards. Gay scored 312 runs while Reece captured 23 wickets. His haul included a hat trick against Murringo.
Paul Bean won the Scott Roberts Memorial award for the best player under 18. Mark Elia won the Rex Merrin Memorial for the gentlemen cricketer.
James Dunk was a popular winner of the Frank Smith Memorial award for services cricket. Dunky (as he is known), was the instigator and is getting the new LED scoreboard into the Max Rudd scoreboard at Albert Park.
The Frank Smith award was presented by last season’s winner Scott Meale. This award has now been presented for the 62nd time. Frank Smith [1934-2005] was an avid cricket fan, a former president of CDCA and life member. Frank first presented his award in 1964-65 season.
Cootamundra DCA Awards 27/03/2026
Individual Performance Awards
A grade Awards
CDCA Batting
Liam Hamilton 378 runs
Phil DAVIES Amcal Pharmacy bowling aggregate [Tied]
Harvey Holt 14 wkts
Riley Meale 14 wkts
B GRADE
CDCA Batting aggregate
Phil Gay 312 runs
CDCA Bowling aggregate
Tony Reece 23 wkts
Special Awards
Mel & Gloria Paterson award- Liam Hamilton 186 not out
Best performance in A Grade [-For the time two winners] Nick Holt 7/37 & 48 not out
Scott Roberts memorial Award – Paul Bean 127 runs
Best player under 18
7 wkts & 8cta
Bennett/Rudd award – Best performer in A Grade Nick Holt 359 runs 3 wkts
Awarded annually since 1979-80. First time winner 3 catches
Ray Ward Memorial award – Highest partnership Liam Hamilton 199 runs for Hamilton 186 not out/ Meale 54 vs Grenfell
Scott Meale 2nd wicket
For Scott Meale this is the fifth time he has won this
award. First time was in 2008-09.
Awarded annually since 1989-90.
Frank Smith Award for Services to cricket James Dunk
Awarded annually since 1964-65
Rex Merrin award for Gentlemen cricketer Mark Elia
Awarded Annually since 1972-73
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